The damage during the Oso Landslide was extensive and immediate. There were 2 distinct slides. The first generated a splash so big that mud was thrown 4000 ft from the splash site. 43 people were instantly fatally injured. At least two people were buried and yet survived for many hours before being rescued. The slide was likely initiated by ground freezing at the west side of the slide scarp. The author has been studying and photographing (mostly from the air) the Oso site since 2002 and will present his rational for his opinions of what happened and why it happened.

Speaker Bio:

Rupert (Bucky) Tart has over 45 years’ experience as a geotechnical engineer. He received a BCE degree from the University of Virginia in 1965 and a MSCE degree from West Virginia University in 1966. Most of his career was spent in Alaska where, for more than 40 years, he has provided geotechnical consultation on slopes and numerous other issues to the constructors and operators of the Trans Alaska Pipeline. He has also conducted major landslide repair investigations and studies for the Alaska Department of Transportation, the City of Kodiak, and several mining companies. He has published papers and a book chapter on slope issues, focusing on those related to groundwater and ground freezing issues. He is an avid photographer and pilot and has frequently combined these skills with the analyses of slopes, landslides, and other geotechnical issues. Since 2002 he has been monitoring the Oso Landslide site.